Traverse City Parks and Recreation commissioners voted 4-3 Thursday to approve a proposal to add two more new volleyball courts in downtown Traverse City, bringing the total number of bayside volleyball courts to eight.

The two new courts would be added directly to the west of the existing six volleyball courts off Grandview Parkway. The sand at the existing courts is also planned to be replaced, with both projects intended to be put out to bid in one request-for-proposals (RFP) package to allow work to take place concurrently. The project could start later this year, assuming the city commission also approves the proposal and includes it in the 2022-23 budget, which will be finalized in June.

The idea to add more courts previously came before Parks and Recreation commissioners, but did not muster enough support to pass. However, the addition of new board members combined with some existing board members changing their minds and signaling support for the expansion allowed the proposal to be revisited. Volleyball players say the new courts will help alleviate the intense competition for playing space in the summer among leagues and recreational users, with nearly 700 local players using the courts on a weekly basis.